The One Home Office Upgrade That Completely Improved the Way I WFH (and Stopped My Wrist Pain)

I don’t know about you, butI spend a lot of time at my deskand on the computer. And with my work as a writer, the countless e-mails I answer every day, and personal journaling, it feels like I’malwaystyping. Recently, I’ve started to notice something a bit worrisome: wrist pain. Now I’ve had the occasional wrist pain we all get from time to time, but this felt different, more intense and more consistent.Yikes.Fearing I was well on my way to developingcarpal tunnel syndrome(something both my mother and sister struggle with), I knew I had to act fast. So I started researching, on the hunt for something that would not only help my immediate wrist pain but improve my overall wrist health. That’s when I stumbled upon theLogitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Split Keyboard, the find that changed the way I look at typing forever.

So what makes this keyboard so special? Designed to help you type in a more natural, ergonomic way, this keyboard features a curved, split keyframe that places your hands, wrists, fingers, and forearms in a more natural position — something you’ll notice upon first use by the immediate lack of strain felt. Offering a large, full-sized design (complete with a number pad) this keyboard also features a pillowed wrist rest that places your forearms just above the keyboard, which according to the brand, offers 54 percent more wrist support while reducing wrist bending by 25 percent. Best of all, it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac OSandit can be connected to your computer one of two ways: via Bluetooth or USB, making it a seamless addition to mostWFH setups.

The first thing that stuck out to me (and will probably stick out to you, too) is its size. At 17.95-inches long and 9.17-inches deep, I was surprised at just how large this keyboard is. However, I wouldn’t say it’s much bigger than a traditional keyboard and wrist pad setup, it just seems bigger because the keyboard and pad are connected as one piece. I personally like how roomy it is as well as the fact that I can simply move the whole setup when cleaning my desk.

As for its performance, it was like a Kylie Minogue song:love at first sight. When I first placed my hands on the keyboard, I let out an audible “woah” — I had truly never experienced anything like it. Thanks to its split design, my wrists were able to lay at an angle they naturally would and the tension in my wrists was instantly gone. While it took me about a day to get accustomed to the new layout of the keys, I quickly adapted and was continually impressed at how my wrist pain was all but gone (my residual soreness would take about two weeks to dissipate). But the thing that struck me the most? How much Inoticedthe strain when I wouldn’t use it. When I would sit with my laptop and use the included keyboard, I became hyper-aware of how awkward it is to type on a straight keyboard as well as how much twisting I was actually doing with my wrists. Needless to say, I immediately returned to my desk.

At $127, this keyboard is definitely an investment piece. However, when I think about how much I could potentially spend on other treatments for my wrist pain (and the possible long-term health implications of ignoring it) this find is a preventative win. Now if only I could put this in my carry-on…

Buy:Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Ergonomic Split Keyboard, $126.49